Photo by: Brockvicky via Flickr
It’s amazing what a few hours at a spa can do for a person. This summer, my mother and I spent a day at the spa (gift certificates for Christmas!) and I felt rejuvenated for weeks. I was convinced the key to being content was a little pampering and relaxation. Lying on the massage table after having full body scrub, I promised myself I would spend time once a week pampering myself. Even just a little bit.
After countless Google searches and YouTube tutorials, I have accumulated quite a collection of techniques and tips. I have honed my skills enough to be able to give myself a pedicure or facial. Every treatment comes with its own list of tips so let’s focus on one today: the facial.
The skin on your face is delicate and requires more complex care than the rest of our skin. The pores in our faces absorb and react to dirt and other irritants more than the rest of our bodies. This facial uses all natural ingredients and can be tailored to suit your skin.
Ingredients
Honey: a natural antiviral and if grainy, exfoliator.
Olive Oil: don’t panic. If you have dry or combination skin, give it a go. It is high in Vitamin E (great for your skin) and rich in antioxidants. And despite what you might think, doesn’t clog your pores. Down side? You smell like a stir-fry. Alternative: Gel Vitamin E capsules, soy or vegetable based (try to avoid mineral oil and petroleum-based or products). Break one or two open and use the gel directly on your skin. They are a miraculous spot treatment, too.
Essentials oils: Head down to your nearest natural products shop and peruse the essential oils. Find ones that help with your skin type or other ailments. (Tip - do you have allergies? Find essential oils that help combat them for a two-birds-one-stone facial).
Herbal Teas: If you don’t have essential oils on hand, herbal teas will work, too. Search online for the beneficial properties of your favourite teas. For example, Lavender is a natural anti-inflammatory while chamomile has soothing and healing properties. You could also head down to your favourite organic food store and pick up loose herbal teas. This way you can easily mix your favourite choices.
This facial is in 5 easy steps based loosely on my heavenly experience at the spa and the advice of YouTube gurus.
- Remove any makeup you may be wearing and rinse your face with water. (Try using Olive Oil to take the makeup off! You’ll be impressed.)
- Fill a bowl with hot, steaming water and any essential oils or herbal teas you choose (take the tea out of the bag first). Steam your face over the bowl. Cover your head with a towel so the steam doesn’t escape. If at any point you feel too warm or uncomfortable just sit back from the bowl.
- Exfoliate with a natural facial scrub. Try this one: mix a handful of honey with sugar and a little olive oil until you get a consistency you like. You can do straight honey for less of a scrub or add just the oil for extra moisture. Massage the mixture over your face and rinse thoroughly. You instantly notice softer skin and clearer pores.
- Wrap a moist, warm towel over your face and lie back and relax for a few minutes. The steam will open your pores and ready your skin for the next step.
- Moisturise your skin. Moisturiser is not something I have attempted to create on my own just yet but I do try to choose products with natural ingredients and that are non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores). Want to give it a shot? Try this recipe for a moisturising salve.
You will be amazed at how rejuvenated you will feel after this facial. Look around for different ingredients or techniques that suit you and your skin type. Pamper yourself!
What are your favourite skin care regimes that you swear by? Share them in the comments section below.
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